nel Angus McDonald. This regiment was ordered to Romney, Va., on the 18th of June, where the Maryland company encamped, and performed picket duty until July 18th, when, owing to some dissatisfaction with the idle life they were leading, the company withdrew from Colonel McDonald's command, and by forced marches placed itself under the command of Colonel J. E. B. Stuart, and became Company K of the First Virginia cavalry; doing such excellent service during her connection with this famous regiment, that at the retreat from Manassas Colonel Fitzhugh Lee said, "Give me the Maryland company and one hundred other men, and I will keep McClellan back a month longer."
The company reached Manassas on the night of the 20th July, and participated in that memorable battle of the 21st. About the 28th of July, near Fairfax Courthouse, the company was for the first time mustered in the Confederate States Army, and an election of officers was held, resulting as follows: George R. Gaither, captain; George Howard, first lieutenant; Thomas Griffith, second lieutenant. As well as I can remember, the company numbered fifty members rank and file.
Before the one year for which this company had enlisted had expired the time of enlistment was Unanimously extended to two years more, or three years from the date of first enlistment (May, 1861). During this year there had been various changes among the officers; Corporals Brown and Bond had each risen to the grade of sergeant, and then to first and second lieutenant.
On Saturday, April 26, 1862, a new election occurred in the company, resulting in the re-election of George R. Gaither, captain, and the election of G. W. Dorsey, first lieutenant; N. Hobbs, second lieutenant; W. Cecil, third lieutenant. The same day the minority of thirty-one sent a petition to Colonel Fitzhugh Lee, and also to General George H. Steuart, by James Clark, asking to be transferred as cavalry to the "the Maryland Line." The result is thus noted in my diary: "Monday, 5, 12, '62.—Company to be mustered out on Wednesday; Company Q (the title assumed by the minority, in jest rather,) is to be transferred to-morrow. Tuesday, 5, 13, '62.—Lieutenant Bond returned from Richmond;. Company Q transferred and move towards Richmond; Company K discharged." The next movement of Company Q is recorded in Goldsborough's History of the Maryland Line, p. 197. On the
